Genocide: US Congress pushes for action on Nigeria over killing of Christians

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a comprehensive report to the White House detailing findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The report, presented on Monday, outlines proposed measures to address religious violence, enhance accountability, and strengthen security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.

Congressman Riley Moore confirmed the submission in a post on X, describing the document as containing “concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region.”

The investigation was launched following former President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and his directive mandating Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead a detailed congressional probe into the situation.

According to Moore, the report is the product of months of investigation, including hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, roundtable discussions, and two bipartisan fact-finding visits to Nigeria. During one of the visits, the delegation toured Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State, met victims of terrorism, and held discussions with senior Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Moore said the investigative team now has a clearer understanding of the security threats in Nigeria and the challenges faced by Christian communities.

Key recommendations in the report include:

Establishing a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks.

Withholding certain US funds until demonstrable action is taken by the Nigerian government to curb violence.

Imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups allegedly responsible for religious persecution.

Providing technical support to address violence linked to armed Fulani militias.

Advocating for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws.

Coordinating with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

Moore urged the Nigerian government to seize the opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States, describing such cooperation as mutually beneficial.

He also expressed gratitude to former President Trump for the CPC redesignation and acknowledged House leaders, including Chairman Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith, for their roles in producing the report.